A student at BOSS enthusiastically presents on stage in a black suit

Best of Student Startups (BOSS)

Where bold ideas transform into impactful businesses

Ohio State is rich with driven creators and change-makers with an ever-expanding interest in entrepreneurship. The Best of Student Startups (BOSS) program supports this community with interactive workshops culminating in a business competition.   

BOSS is a critical part of the Keenan Center's continuum of student programming. The program focuses on supporting the transformation of ideas into sustainable businesses, particularly emphasizing the customer discovery phase. In interactive workshops, participants define customer segments, articulate a value proposition, and conduct customer discovery interviews. Participation in BOSS is encouraged for students interested in advancing to the President's Buckeye Accelerator Boost Camp

BOSS students interact outside the event venue

BOSS Fall Program - Now Accepting Applications

BOSS is designed to attract Ohio State students with varying entrepreneurial experience or education levels. The BOSS fall program is open to all Ohio State students and all venture types. Visit https://go.osu.edu/boss-apply to apply. 


Joan & Chester Luby Microgrant Prize Program for BOSS

The winning student-led venture from the BOSS fall program will receive $20,000 in funding through the Joan & Chester Luby Microgrant Prize Program for BOSS. The winner will also receive an invitation to pitch at the President's Buckeye Accelerator Finale. The program will also distribute awards of $10,000 and $5,000 during the specialized summer and general fall BOSS programs.*

*must meet the terms and conditions


BOSS Summer Programs - Accepting Applications in Spring 2026

Applications will open for two specialized summer BOSS programs – BOSS for Space Ventures and BOSS for Student-Athletes in Spring 2026. 

 

Fall 2025 Program Timeline

Program

Activities

Date

Time

Location

Application

Opens

August 18

 

Online
Link to apply: https://go.osu.edu/boss-apply

BOSS Info Session

Information session

October 1

5-6:30 p.m.

Student Entrepreneurs' Center

Applicaion

Closes

October 5

Midnight

Online

BOSS Session #1

Interactive group session

October 9

5-6:30 p.m.

Student Entrepreneurs' Center

BOSS Session #2

Interactive group session

October 23

5-6:30 p.m.

Student Entrepreneurs' Center

BOSS Session #3

Interactive group session

October 30

5-6:30 p.m.

Student Entrepreneurs' Center

BOSS Prelims

Preliminary presentations

November 12-13

TBA

Student Entrepreneurs' Center

BOSS Finale

Showcase with funding awarded

November 19

5-7 p.m.

Student Entrepreneurs' Center